North London’s own Ama Lou is back with ‘Not Always’, a brilliant follow-up to the politically charged ‘TBC’, which showcases a more soulful side to the young singer’s repertoire. Staccato, breathy verses give way to the track’s sublime chorus, which is complete with quirky PC effects, shuffling beats and swirling electronics. It’s clear that Lou has immense control over her voice, and it comes as no surprise to learn that she’s classically trained. Her voice lends itself to this dark pop sound perfectly, and the lyrics twist and turn around themes of identity and rejection: ‘I am constantly trying to be less like my own kind’. The production suits Lou’s style perfectly and is credited to NYC duo Like Minds, whose brilliant hip hop beats have earned them cuts on tracks by Kanye, Q Tip and more. Having already earned a spot on The Four Oh Five’s ‘Hot New R&B’ list (which includes the likes of Childish Gambino and Jorja Smith), 2017 looks to be a strong year for Ama Lou, who has promised a stream of ‘Bangers, just absolute bangers’. - HM